Planning for a European adventure? Imagine how magical it will be if a single visa empowers you to travel across 29 diverse European countries. Yes, it's possible, and all credit goes to the Schengen visa.
We know Europe offers some of the most iconic destinations in the world, and Schengen visa countries host most of them. For those who are not familiar with the term, let us make things clear.
What are Schengen countries?
A group of European nations decided to allow inter-border movements without the hectic border checks. All these nations are called the Schengen Area, which includes countries like Germany, France, Italy, and 26 others. This agreement simplifies travel within the region, promoting cooperation and security. With just one Schengen visa, visitors can explore all these nations without the hassle of border checks. It’s an agreement to promote trade and tourism while controlling external borders.
Complete list of Schengen visa countries
Below, you can find out all those countries covered by Schengen visa. Remember to carry your passport and decent international travel insurance to safeguard your journey!
Schengen country list
|
Capital
|
Must visit places
|
Austria
|
Vienna
|
1. Grand Schönbrunn Palace
2.Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart
|
Belgium
|
Brussels
|
1. The canals and cobblestone streets of Bruges
2. City of Antwerp
|
Bulgaria
|
Sofia
|
1. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
2. Rila Monastery
|
Croatia
|
Zagreb
|
1. Plitvice Lakes National Park
2. Dubrovnik's Old Town
3. Island of Hvar
|
Czech Republic
|
Prague
|
1. Medieval town of Ceský Krumlov
2. Astronomical Clock and Charles Bridge
|
Denmark
|
Copenhagen
|
1. Copenhagen's Little Mermaid statue
2. Tivoli Gardens
|
Estonia
|
Tallinn
|
1. Island of Saaremaa
2. Toompea Castle
|
Finland
|
Helsinki
|
1. Suomenlinna
2. Midnight sun in Oulu
|
France
|
Paris
|
1. Eiffel Tower
2. Louvre Museum
|
Germany
|
Berlin
|
1. Brandenburg Gate
2. Rhine Valley
|
Greece
|
Athens
|
1. Parthenon
2. Island of Santorini
|
Hungary
|
Budapest
|
1. Budapest's Chain Bridge
2. Lake Balaton
|
Iceland
|
Reykjavík
|
1. Reykjavik's unique architecture
2. Blue Lagoon
|
Italy
|
Rome
|
1. Amalfi Coast
2. The Colosseum
3. Duomo cathedral
|
Latvia
|
Riga
|
1. Riga's Historic Old Town
2. Town of Sigulda
3. Jurmala's sandy beaches
|
Liechtenstein
|
Vaduz
|
1. Vaduz Castle
2. The scenic town of Malbun
|
Lithuania
|
Vilnius
|
1. Hill of Crosses
2. Gediminas' Tower
|
Luxembourg
|
Luxembourg City
|
1. Vianden Castle
2. Grand Ducal Palace
3. Echternach
|
Malta
|
Valletta
|
1. Temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra
2. Blue Grotto
|
Netherlands
|
Amsterdam
|
1. Anne Frank Hous
2. Keukenhof
3. Dom Tower
|
Norway
|
Oslo
|
1. Geirangerfjord
2. Viking Ship Museum
|
Poland
|
Warsaw
|
1. Krakow's historic Old Town
2. Lazienki Park
|
Portugal
|
Lisbon
|
1. Algarve's beautiful beaches
2. Alfama and Belém
|
Romania
|
Bucharest
|
1. Bucharest's Palace of the Parliament
2. The city of Brașov
|
Slovakia
|
Bratislava
|
1. Bratislava Castle
2. Spiš Castle
3. High Tatras
|
Slovenia
|
Ljubljana
|
1. Škocjan Caves
2. Lake Bled
|
Spain
|
Madrid
|
1. Prado Museum
2. Alhambra in Granada
|
Sweden
|
Stockholm
|
1. Island of Gotland
2. Uppsala's iconic cathedral
|
Switzerland
|
Bern
|
1. Chapel Bridge
2. Geneva's famous Jet d'Eau
3. Lake Zurich
|
Documents required for Schengen visa
Before you pack your things for the countries in Schengen zone, note these documents carefully to obtain your visa effortlessly-
1. Duly signed visa application form
2. A valid passport, valid for at least three months after your expected return date
3. Residential proof
4. Recent passport-sized photographs
5. Travel insurance plan
6. Proof of financial status to support your journey
7. Planned itinerary with all the details
8. Proof of paid visa fee
9. Documents that show your accommodation in the Schengen visa countries
Benefits of Schengen visa
This one-of-a-kind visa has perks beyond expectations. You can-
- Travel freely across numerous countries in Schengen zone with one visa.
- Skip individual border checks between member states.
- Make trips faster and more efficient within the Schengen zone.
- Experience hassle-free business and leisure travel.
- Travel under robust security with unified border policies
- Experience cultural and economic collaboration across Schengen area countries.
Travel insurance for Schengen visa
A trip to Europe sounds fun, but you must be knowledgeable about the adversities that come into our lives without prior notice. These incidents can quickly turn your adventures into stressful ordeal, be it an unexpected medical emergency or lost luggage. That's where international travel insurance comes to the rescue.
At Future Generali, we understand these situations very well. That's why we offer our Schengen plan to all travel enthusiasts. From bearing the medical expenses to compensating for lost luggage, we have your back 24x7. Not only that, we also help you if you need some extra funds or your flight is delayed. You can check out our curated plan here, and don't forget to customise it as per your requirements!
FAQs
1. What is the maximum duration of staying in a Schengen state?
Typically, the visa allows you to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period in all Schengen countries.
2. Can I visit the UK and Ireland with a Schengen visa?
No. These two countries haven’t signed the Schengen agreement. So, you need a separate visa for these countries.
3. What currency should I use for the Schengen area countries?
Most of these countries accept the Euro as the currency. But keep a payment card also for a stress-free adventure.
4. Can I get a visa extension?
No, you can’t have an extension beyond the 90-day limit without exceptional circumstances.
5. Can I visit Europe without travel insurance?
No. You must have it. You can’t obtain a visa without it.
